Expanding Federal Food Programs

The president wants big cuts in SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ... formerly known as "food stamps."

But a North Florida Congressman has come up with a plan to expand eligibility and increase benefits.

Representative Al Lawson of Tallahassee calls it the "Let's Feed America Campaign" and he's trying to add it to the farm bill that comes up every five years.

"Currently, we are working on the farm bill ... probably finish up most of it by March," he said. "It is very significant with my colleagues and I that we make sure that we expand the SNAP program, unlike what the president made a recommendation."

Lawson says expanding the food assistance program will help children, college students and seniors.

Lawson notes that this proposal has both Democrats and Republicans working together, which makes it a bit of a rarity in Washington.